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Q&A With Atlanta Silverbacks Head Coach Gary Smith

The English coach delved into his first season as a coach in the NASL
Atlanta Silverbacks Staff | Oct 28, 2015

Head coach Gary Smith officially accepted his position with the Atlanta Silverbacks in late December 2014, setting him up for a busy – and abbreviated – offseason to build a roster from just three returnees, fill out a coaching staff, and prepare his new team to begin Spring Season play in early April.

Despite the challenges of meshing together the squad in a fresh environment, Smith's rebuilt team started with five straight games unbeaten, then really got rolling after midseason addititions like Junior Burgos,Pedro and Paulo Mendes, and Kouske Kimura joined Atlanta's existing talent for a Fall Season turnaround that proved the Silverbacks were capable of competing with any side in the league.

Here's what Smith had to say about his first year in the NASL, support from the club and fans, strategies as a manager and more as the Silverbacks prepare for the Fall Season finale against Ottawa Fury FC on Oct. 31.

Silverbacks.com: What brought you to Atlanta to coach the Silverbacks?

Smith: Before coming out here, I knew very little about Atlanta. Our experience as a family in the states – on holiday or up in Denver – had been terrific before. It's been a wonderful experience and I'm extremely pleased that the opportunity came along. 

I wanted to get back into coaching. There were question marks on whether it would be England, or if I even wanted it to be England. The Atlanta opportunity came out of the blue via a mutual friend of myself and [Silverbacks president and general manager] Andy [Smith]. That really was the moment contact was made. Via dialogue with Andy and the commissioner [Bill Peterson], we made some strides and some ground in where both of those guys saw the club going, necessities for the team, and some of the difficulties that would be encountered.

In my own mind, I was very keen to come back stateside and get back on track with what I know I'm capable of. It's not an easy career, because there are a lot of good coaches out there and not enough jobs to go around.

Silverbacks.com: What did you know about the NASL before signing on?

Smith: I didn't know bundles about the league, which was a bit of an issue through the opening few games to get used to. It's been quite exciting to see some of the teams play. The contrast in the styles throughout the league make it exciting. 

The most difficult part was preparing a brand-new group for a league that I was unsure how competitive some of these groups are, but it’s a very diverse league that is improving every single year. I’ve genuinely enjoyed this league and working against a lot of the coaches. They’ve been really good personalities and I’ve become friends with one or two, which is always nice.

Silverbacks.com: What was it like working with Andy Smith and Evan Mitz to build the roster?

Smith: The environment has been supportive and extremely helpful, especially in that period between the Spring and Fall Season where things weren't quite right. It was apparent during that in-between period that we needed some help. Not just any help – we needed some goals, some creation.

Andy was terrific in his support, as was Evan Mitz. Both of those guys have been spot on in making sure the team has been effective and creative. At any club, if you're not pulling in the same direction, you lose ground somewhere. 

SIlverbacks.com: How did you face and overcome early challenges in Atlanta?

Smith: It was always going to be a challenge. You can't work in this profession without expecting some challenges. One of the most exciting things about being here is that everyone was up for it. Players, coaches, staff and, of course, the supporters – they've all been brilliant from day one on getting behind the team and offering as much as they possibly can.

The head coach should be the one making all the tough decisions, creating the type of environment where the players show good character and have discipline. Within all of that, the team functions well, players build rapport, and their own individual games improve if the program is right.

Silverbacks.com: How did the transition to a more attacking formation and mindset for the Fall Season help the team?

Smith: We were competitive in the Spring, but there's no doubt that the Fall Season has been far more productive. We've been much more creative. Goals and assists have come together and we’ve been a lot more free-flowing. The signs were there that the players had really warmed to a new shape, a shape that in all honesty is not always something that I've frequently used. I've seen the benefits for other teams, but I've not played it to a degree that we have this year.

I was excited to move into a slightly different style and platform to work from, but most importantly, I thought the players were brilliant. It brought out a lot of the qualities of the individuals we had. There was a lot of energy in the group, and we needed a spark and an incentive to try and get after games. 

Sliverbacks.com: What advice would you give to younger coaches just starting their careers?

Smith: When I first started coaching, there was a stress about it. Was my timing right? How was my dialogue? Did I give the players enough information? I think that sometimes manifests into pressure. If I could go back, I’d try to be more relaxed as a young coach.

This year, above any other in my career, even with some of the difficulties we’ve had to deal with day to day, I think I’ve enjoyed it and felt more comfortable on most occasions. I might not look it on the line, but I’ve certainly felt more relaxed. If this was my first day’s work and I felt this way there would have certainly been more enjoyment early on in my career and it would have been easier to express myself as a young coach.

Silverbacks.com: Where do you sees your career progressing in five years?

Smith: The most enjoyable times I’ve had are on the coaching field. I love being around the team, I like having that interaction. I love putting a team together and looking at the personalities and talents that will make the right combinations. Looking forward I’d love to work at the highest level I possibly can. I think everyone wants to test themselves. I can honestly say I want to be coaching – wherever that may be, I’ll be happy. I’ve found that’s the thing that makes me tick. 

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